Acylcarnitine, Plasma

Test Code

14531

Alias/See Also

LAB304337

CPT Codes
82017

Preferred Specimen

1 mL frozen plasma collected in sodium heparin (green-top) tube

Patient Preparation
Patient should be in a well-fed state

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum

Instructions

Collect blood sample in sodium heparin (green-top) tube. Separate plasma by centrifugation ASAP. Avoid hemolysis. Remove plasma and place in plastic tube. Freeze immediately after separation. Date of birth is required.

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 28 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis • Received room temperature • Received refrigerated

Methodology
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Sun-Fri; Report available: 5-6 days

Limitations

A low carnitine level may mask a disease state.

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

Elevation of one or more acylcarnitines is diagnostic for an organic aciduria or a fatty disorder. A low carnitine level may mask a disease state.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA

33608 Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.